Category: Visayas
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Bantayan Island After Yolanda: A Place of Hope
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Bantayan Island, Cebu had long lived in my imagination as a picture-perfect paradise. Picture pristine white-sand beaches, clear blue-green waters, fresh sea air, and a warm, friendly atmosphere. I watched friends post photos of their vacations there. For years, I dreamed of taking my own spot under the sun. I never…
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My 5 best first-time travel experiences
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Travel brings a world of joys and delights, igniting a sense of adventure and opening doors to new experiences. It is a catalyst for personal growth, broadening our perspectives and deepening our understanding of different cultures. The thrill of exploring unfamiliar landscapes, tasting unique cuisines, and connecting with diverse people…
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It’s More Fun in the Philippines videos
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Smiles. Laughter. Fun. Whatever the circumstance is, Filipinos always find a reason to inject humor or joy into it. And with the catchy campaign “It’s More Fun in the Philippines”, I’d like to share several videos why it’s truly fun to come to my country. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADNgEHFDYzo&feature=player_embedded] [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YgQJBajMdg&feature=player_embedded] [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8nYOf2gcNE&feature=player_embedded]
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Behind Masskara’s Smile: The beginnings of MassKara Festival
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I was eight years old and I was standing in front of my mother’s office right across the city plaza watching with awe the crowd gathered along the side walk. I squeezed my tiny head in between two adults so I could get a glimpse of the MassKara Festival parade…
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First-time in Panaad sa Negros Festival Part I
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“Panaad” or in local language (Hiligaynon), it is about a vow and fulfilling it. For 19 years, the province of Negros Occidental has been fulfilling its vow of celebrating its spirit of jubilation and friendship through the Panaad sa Negros Festival, highlighting the various products, attractions, history and culture of…
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First-time in Panaad sa Negros Festival Part II
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Going around the Panaad Park, visiting the booths of all 32 local government units can be a bit taxing, though entertaining. But I decided to write a separate blog for the towns and cities south of Bacolod, which I frequented when I was still a kid. Bago City Bago City…
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First-time in Mambukal Resort
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Having visited Mambukal Resort when I was still a toddler, I have so little recollection of what it’s like in this mountain resort. Everytime I go home to my province, I always wanted to visit Mambukal. Mambukal lies at the foot of Mt. Kanlaon and is the gateway to the Kanlaon National…
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A Weekend in Cebu and CDO
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It was a challenging weekend – three consecutive mornings spent in three different airports, in three different cities. This is the upside and the downside of business trips. They come for free but expect less or no sightseeing in the itinerary. I was going back to two southern cities — Cebu…
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2011 Travel Highlights
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While excitement at work kicked in pretty hard for me in 2011, it also hindered me to do a lot of exploring outside of my job description and workplace. It’s a good thing though that despite the demands of my job, I was able to do a bit of traveling last…
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First-time in Kanlaon
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Mt. Kanlaon is shrouded in mystery. I grew up hearing tales of hermits, fairies and other enchantments that happen around the tallest peak in the island of Negros. This same volcano divides the eastern part of Negros from its western counterpart, represented by the two provinces of Negros Occidental and…
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First-time in Shangri-la Mactan Resort and Spa
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My trip this year to Cebu, particularly to Mactan, brought back memories of a luxurious stay I did three years back in another resort within the same island. It was a press event my former office organized for a client. We gathered media people from various countries in Southeast Asia…
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A First-time Traveler’s 3 Best Kept Secret Islands
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I have three best kept secret islands found in my country, the Philippines, but I’m letting these out of the bag. With more and more people traveling nowadays, getting to a place where others have never been before has become quite a challenge. As I become more connected with other…
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First-time in Plantation Bay
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The Plantation Bay Resort and Spa always grace the pages of travel magazines. I’ve seen photos of friends who stayed in this luxurious resort located in Mactan Island, Cebu. I’ve been part of contests that gave out a few nights stay for free in this popular relaxation place. Sadly, I’ve…
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First-time in Danao, Cebu: work and vacation in one
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There I was again traveling alone. It usually happens whenever I travel for business wherein I would be left to my own devices. Having been used to working with non-profits, I often visited new and unfamiliar places without any welcoming party at the airport or a transport service. Sometimes it…
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First-time in Malatapay Beach Resort, Negros Oriental
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Right after our plane touched down in the runway of the Dumaguete City airport, at the capital of the Negros Oriental province in the Visayas region of the Philippines, we embarked on about half an hour ride by van to the southern part of the island towards Malatapay Beach Resort.…